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COUNCIL
William A. Osborne,
President
Patrick C. Moore
Joseph L. Dundon
Vice-Presidents
2.1 The year under review commenced with a Policy Meeting in Galway at which the Director
General, Jim Ivers, presented a paper commenting in detail on various activities of the Society.
The paper was fully discussed and targets were set for 1975 which included the introduction
of a Superannuation Scheme, completing the final regulations and arrangements for the new
educational programme, the arranging of suitable Seminars in conjunction with the Young
Solicitors' Association, the introduction of revised Bye-Laws in comprehensive form, sub-
mission and processing of a claim for a review of costs in Court work and the publication
of further leaflets by the Public Relations Committee. 1 am glad to say that the targets set
were achieved, notwithstanding the fact that during the year, further important matters of
immediate concern arose which required detailed attention and which were time consuming.
2.2 The Council achieved a substantial volume of work and came to many important decisions,
all based on detailed reports and processing by the many Committees established by the
Council.
2.3 One of the major tasks was again in the educational field. By reason of a sustained and
dedicated approach by the Committee Chairman, Mr. Buckley, and by the Committee estab-
lished to draft the new educational regulations, it was possible for the Council to adopt the
new regulations, at its meeting in March 1975, consequent on which the new programme took
effect from the 1st October. Only the Council and the Committee know of the very arduous
task which was involved for the Committee and they are to be fully complimented for their
achievements.
2.4 Taxation Legislation which was introduced during the year was unprecedented in its
intricacy and in the many fundamental and far-reaching changes flowing from it. For the
profession three major concerns emerged which were the question of our professional privilege,
the problems created for the tax payer and the practical problems involved in the application
of the new legislation. A sub-committee was formed and submissions were made to the Minister
for Finance and subsequently discussed with the Minister for Finance and with the Revenue
Commissioners. Consequent on the discussions which took place, amendments were made in
the Capital Gains Tax Bill and in the Wealth Tax Bill. The Committee has still under con-
sideration the Capital Acquisitions Tax Bill and further meetings with the Revenue Com-
missioners will take place and submissions will be made in relation to the Bill. Meanwhile,
meetings with the Revenue Commissioners are continuing in relation to the practical aspects
of the operation of the provisions of this new legislation. During the year also, farmers became
taxable and the new legislation in that respect was also examined by the Committee and a
Seminar was held, which was helpful and useful to the profession. Meetings have taken place
with the Inspector of Taxes in relation to the practical problems arising from the taxation of
farmers and further meetings will take place to iron out any difficulties or problems which
may arise.
2.5 By reason of the importance to the profession of the new taxation legislation, in con-
junction with the Young Solicitors' Society, two Seminars were arranged, one in Cork and
one in Dublin. The importance of the subject, the reputation and excellence of the lecturers
chosen by the sub-committee, reflected itself in the attendance, which was one of the largest
attendances by the profession at a Seminar of this nature. The Council and the profession
are vei7 grateful to the Chairman, Mr. Curran, and to the Chairman of the Young Solicitors'
Association, Mr. Michael Carrigan, for their efforts in successfully staging the Seminar and
in their choice of speakers.
2.6 At the Annual General Meeting of the Society in November 1974, a decision was taken
by the profession to proceed gradually with the development and refurbishing of Blackhall
Place, with the intention of moving into Blackhall Place and thus providing accommodation
for the Secretariat and for our students as soon as possible and at the same time, retaining
the Solicitors' Buildings as cQnsultation rooms and for other Society purposes. Consequent on
that decision, plans were drawn up to deal with the first stage of the development and refurbish-
ing, tenders were sought and a contract has since been signed with the contractors. Work on
the first stage has commenced and it is hoped that the result of this work will begin to become
apparent in early summer of next year.
2.7 Contact was maintained with the various Government Offices with whom the profession
have contact during the year and discussions took place with a view to increasing the staffing
and efficiency in the offices in question. The Council have received the full support and co-
operation of the Officers in charge of the Departments in question, but the staffing problems
still remain and have still to be overcome. One must question the overall loss to the economy
arising by reason of inadequate staffing in many of the offices referred to.
2.8 The Council set up a Conveyancing Committee in November 1974 and this Committee
has met on many occasions, but by reason of changes in financial legislation, the redrafting of
the Council's Contract for Sale and Requisitions on Title have unfortunately been delayed.
The new draft contract has been prepared and Counsel's comments have been obtained and
it is hoped that the new contract, the amended requisitions and a scheme in relation to multiple
flat buildings, will be available for the half yearly meeting in May next.
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